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News24 reports that the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) told MPs on Wednesday that before SA Airways (SAA) takes to the skies again, it would ensure that its pilots have the necessary training and hours needed for the task.
DPE acting director-general Advocate Melanchton Makobe indicated that the training of pilots was a "very important aspect" of the process to get SAA operational again. "SAA is known as a very safe airline and we will not compromise," said Makobe. This assurance was echoed by Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Phumulo Masualle, who said: "Preparations to get SAA flying again is quite advanced and, regarding concerns raised by [an MP] about whether the pilots are ready, I want to say the issue of the safety of passengers is very important and we will not be in favour of just having pilots fly without taking due regard to regulations." Members of the SAA Pilots' Association (Saapa), which represents nearly 90% of the pilots at SAA, have been locked out since mid-December last year. While still locked out, Saapa members declared a strike earlier this year to prevent a situation where the company could lift the lock-out for only some pilots, especially training pilots, who are needed to get SAA back in the air again. Makobe told MPs that R800 million of R7.8 billion transferred to SAA to date to implement its rescue plan had been ring-fenced for outstanding salaries, pending a court case. Next week, the Labour Court is set to hear an application by Saapa regarding its payment claims and whether SAA's actions have been lawful in using so-called "scab" labour for pilot training. "SAA and the pilots are nearing getting a settlement. Talks are at an advanced stage, and we expect a settlement. The only outstanding issue is the amounts pilots are requiring and the period of the lockout,” said Makobe
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Carin Smith at News24
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